Short-term Japanese Program
About the Short-term Japanese Program
Coto Institute’s 6-month short-term Japanese course is an intensive program for residents in Japan, professionals, and long-term visitors who want to improve their Japanese without a full-year commitment. Available from beginner to intermediate levels, you’ll study alongside our 1-year students in the same immersive curriculum, receiving the same career-first approach and benefits.
Key Features
Intake period:
October or April (6 months)
Levels:
Beginner (JLPT N5) or intermediate (JLPT N3)
Class size:
10 – 16 students
Location:
Kokubunji, Tokyo (20 minutes from Shinjuku)
Schedule:
Morning (9:30 – 12:50) or afternoon (13:50 – 17:10)
Focus:
Conversation based
Things to note: This course is not eligible for student visa support.
Who This Course is Perfect For
Whether you’re working or living, our 6-month Short-term Japanese Program in Kokubunji helps you reach your goals with intensive, career-focused language training. Please note that applicants must already have a valid visa to reside in Japan.
Those on a working holiday visa who want to learn Japanese without a long-term commitment.
Expats and employees in Japan who want to boost their Japanese in just 6 months, for real career development at work.
Family members of residents who want to build the communication skills to live more comfortably and confidently in Japan.
Undergraduate or graduate students already studying in Japan on a valid visa who want to sharpen their Japanese outside their regular coursework.
Practical Japanese Track
For Beginners | Starting level: JLPT N5
A short-term course for beginners looking to build fluency fast. Strong fundamentals paired with work-focused vocabulary and business etiquette from day one.
This course is perfect if you:
- Are just starting your Japanese learning journey.
- Want to build a strong foundation in business Japanese.
- Plan to work in Japan or improve your long-term conversational skills.
Advanced Track
For intermediate | Starting level: JLPT N3
This course prepares you for a career in Japan by building advanced Japanese skills. Learn to understand complex texts, communicate opinions clearly, handle business situations, and discuss professional and current affairs topics.
This course is perfect if you:
- Have an intermediate level of Japanese.
- Want to strengthen your business Japanese through project-based learning and group discussions.
- Are preparing for a career in Japan.
- Aim to reach JLPT N2 or N1 within six months.
Course Curriculum
Leveraging 25 years of teaching experience, we’ve built a curriculum that develops every aspect of Japanese holistically — dedicating real time to business Japanese and hands-on project work. Students spend roughly 20 hours a week in class.
| Subject | Frequency | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Japanese | 16 hours/ week | Grammar, writing, daily conversation, and listening |
| Business Japanese / JLPT Prep | 2 hours/week | Workplace communication and JLPT practice |
| Project Learning | 2 hours/week | Real-world project work and teamwork |
What You Get Beyond Japanese Lesson
Life Support
Receive the same comprehensive support as our 1-year program. Our English-speaking staff is here to help with everyday life in Japan, from settling in to navigating daily life with guidance.
Career Support
Get the career preparation and job search guidance of a full 1-year program, in just six months — business Japanese, workplace communication, and real project work included.
Community-Building Activity
Engaging events and community experiences that bring language and culture together — so that what you practice in class, you actually use outside of it.
Master Japanese at Our Kokubunji Language School
Located in Kokubunji, only 20 minutes from Shinjuku by train, Coto Institute is the ideal choice for learners living in western Tokyo, including Tachikawa, Hachioji, and Kichijoji, while still offering easy access from central Tokyo.
2-9-14 Honcho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo 185-0012
- From JR Kokubunji Station: Approx. 4 minutes on foot.
- From JR Tokyo Station: Approx. 30 minutes on the Chuo Line Special Rapid
- From JR Shinjuku Station: Approx. 25 minutes on the Chuo Line Rapid/Sobu Line.
Ready to get started?
Short-term Program Tuition and Fees Breakdown
| Admission Fee | ¥30,000 |
| Facility Fee | ¥38,500 |
| Materials Fee | ¥27,500 |
| Tuition Fee | ¥404,000 |
| Total (6-month course) | ¥500,000 |
Step 1
Consultation & Application
Step 2
Japanese Level Check
Step 3
Start Your Term
Get started!
Complete the form and our team will contact you as soon as possible!
FAQ
Does Coto Institute offer short-term Japanese program?
Coto Institute offers a 6-month, short-term Japanese program, where students join October or April intake alongside our full-time students.
Do I need 150 hours of Japanese study to join this short-term Japanese course?
No. Unlike our full-time Japanese language program, the 6-Month Short-term Course does not require proof of 150 hours of Japanese study. Instead, we’ll assess your level through a placement test to ensure you’re placed in the right class.
Can I join this course even if I am a beginner?
Applicants must already have basic Japanese (around JLPT N5). Absolute beginners are encouraged to start with online courses before applying.
Does this course provide a student visa?
No. The 6-month short-term course does not include student visa sponsorship. You must already have a valid visa that allows you to reside in Japan while attending the course.
When does the course start?
The 6-month short-term Japanese course has two intakes each year, April and October.
How many students are in each class?
Classes typically have 10–16 students.
Can I change my course length after enrolling?
In specific cases, students may apply to extend their studies from the 1-year Practical Japanese course to the Advanced course, subject to attendance, grades, availability, and internal review.
Is job-hunting support provided?
Formal job placement is not provided, but career guidance sessions, individual advice, and introductions to job boards and agents are offered during enrollment.